Best Hydroponic Systems Review 2020

Before a plant can grow, it undergoes
photosynthesis, which requires sunlight and chlorophyll to convert carbon
dioxide into food. Since this reaction does not need soil, you can grow plants
through various mediums.

Hydroponics does not need soil to grow plants.
Instead, it uses a solution that contains a large number of minerals. It uses
clay, perlite, peat moss, vermiculite, or rock wool to grow the plant.

Thanks to the absence of soil, the roots can
reach the nutrients. Besides, the plant will enjoy a steady supply of oxygen
for enhanced growth.

However, if you want to enjoy this planting system, you need to
get the best hydroponic models suitable for your cultivation. In this article,
we have listed out the best ones on the market to make thing easy for you.

Short History of Hydroponic

Hydroponics comprises of two Greek words
“hydro,” meaning water and “Ponics,” which means labor.
Over the years, many generations have practiced the system that is now an
effective way of planting. A prominent example is The Floating Gardens of
China.

Around 1950, there was research on the
feasibility of this process for global plant production. Scientists discovered
that plants do better in this system than in the soil.

Best Hydroponic System

If you’re in a hurry, here is a summary of our selected Best Hydroponics models

Best Deep Water Culture Hydroponics

1. Hydroponics Grower Kit

High-grade Hydroponics Grower Kit allows user
to grow their plants effectively until harvesting with the smoothest planting cultivating
system. It aids you to transplant your vegetable cuttings with eco-friendly
materials. With a Hydroponic grower kit, you can comfortably grow plants like
fresh herbs, vegetables, salads, greens, fruit, and flowers.

The Hydroponics Grower Kit enhances the speed
of plant growth, enabling crops to mature five times faster before those
planted on soil. The nutrient solution is very potent and productive, thus
giving plants the needed boost for rapid growth and maturity.

It provides plants with enough oxygen with the
aid of waterproof chug pumps. This feature enables constant development even in
the deep-rooted plants.

It prevents the possibility of failure in the
air release with the use of a flappable blue stop valve, which restores the airflow
when flipped. Furthermore, it features a buoy that displays the remaining level
of water and nutrients so that the user will know when to refill or supply
nutrient solution.

The model comes with a cloner kit basin made
with a non-transparent material to prevent the passage of sun rays to the
nutrient solution. The reason is that natural light rays react negatively with
the nutrient to give rise to the growth of green algae, which adversely affects
the plants.

The hydroponics system has a powerful Pathonor
waterproof grow light. This feature provides sufficient light needed for plant
growth. With that said, plant in this system doesn’t need sunlight to grow,
which means you can grow them anywhere indoors.

The exciting part is that the kits in this system
packaging are perfect for indoor or outdoor soilless gardening.

However, the one demerit of this effective
hydroponic system is that it’s always having pump issues. Also, users will need
to arrange the pump properly before use because it usually faced backward on
arrival.

Things we liked

Excellent kit for experimental planting

Perfect for garden transplant

The system is excellent for indoor gardening

No sunlight needed to grow plant

Design is exquisite

Things we didn’t like

Pump is problematic

The Buoy is of low standard and damages within a short period

2. Hydrofarm RS5GALSYS Root Spa Deep Water Culture Bucket System

Hydrofarm RS5GALSYS Root Spa System has a
straight forward method of plant cultivation. With this system, large plants
will grow effectively without any hindrances. This deepwater culture system
design is cost-efficient, and it is easy to maintain. Considering the earlier
mentioned benefits, this is one of the best
deepwater culture systems on the market.

This model has an 8-bucket Hydroponics system
with an air pump that supplies oxygen to ensure the roots are not water
clogged. The adequate oxygen released into the solution enhances the
development of the root cells and encourage growth.

Pumping of air into the nutrient solution
helps to sustain the growth and development of the root system. It also offers
cost-effective plant cultivation with the challenging air stone

The system can be expansible from 4-bucket to
make a 5-bucket system. The exciting part is that the deepwater culture bucket system
comes at a low price, which makes it budget-friendly.

Furthermore, it has a grommet and elbow
fitting that ensures a sealed connection to block off any chance of leaks. It
features air tubing, which allows light to pass through and to enable you to
view the level of the nutrient solution in the outer reservoir.

Out of the buckets system of this model, one
of the buckets comes with a small single outlet wait pump while the other
four-bucket has a larger air pump.

For users that want to enjoy a whole lot of
benefits with this system, it is advisable to use clay pebbles. This material
provides the adequate stability and growth of the plant.

One of the downsides of this excellent model
is that the plug isn’t quite efficient. Also, the cap sometimes runs freely at
the end of the tube, thus preventing it from sealing effectively.

Things we liked

The system has watertight and straightforward connections

Exquisite for indoor planting and transplanting of various veggies and flowers

Supply enough air and ingredients through a sophisticated design

Things we didn’t like

The pump is weak and draws water slowly

Plugs fail to seal tube well

Leakages due to loose fittings Best EBB & Flow System

Best EBB & Flow System

1. Viagrow Complete Ebb & Flow Hydroponics System

Do you want to start an indoor growing
station? If yes, this incredible product will make your gardening dreams come
true. Measuring at 48 x 26 x 43.5 inches, you can use this gardening
system to grow up to 10 separate plants at the same time.

When it comes to toughness, this model meets
the mark. First, it has top quality parts made from welded steel. Thanks to
these materials, this product will last longer than any DIY ebb and flow system.

When you purchase this model, it comes with
ten pots for each herb or flower. The unit also offers some grow rock, which
saves cash and time for finding a suitable growth surface.

Setting up this system takes little time and
effort. Even if you have poor plumbing skills, the unit comes with a kit that
helps you connect the pipes within a few minutes.

An analog timer controls the pump and helps
you to time the flood and drain cycles. Like the digital models, it’s easier to
program and operate this system.

Most ebb and flow systems come with hefty price tags, which can
make people shy away from this style of farming. But since this Viagrow product
costs less than $300, it serves as a budget-friendly option.

Sadly, the timer does not offer more than a
15-minute flood and drain cycles. Another downsides is that the unit has legs
that feel too tall for indoor use while the plastic parts break up quickly.
Finally, the company sells the lights as separate items which result in extra
costs.

2. Active Aqua Grow Flow Ebb & Grow

If you want a solution that allows you to set
up a hydroponic system with ease, the Active Aqua system ticks all the boxes.
Besides, the unit offers a space to handle up to 12 pots.

For people looking for extra room, you can
expand the space to carry up to 48 containers. It also allows you to harvest
more crops within a short period.

Apart from offering space for the plants, the pots
have lightweight features. This quality enables you to move the plants to your
desired favorite spots without any issues.

Do you have a busy schedule that keeps you
from tending to your plants? Well, this model boasts of a simple controller
that automates its functions. If you want to use this tool, just choose any of
the flood and drain cycles setting, and watch the model control the unit.

The product also has three bottles that
contain different nutrient solutions for the plants. By using these liquids,
you will have a bountiful harvest of a healthy crop.

When it comes to safety, the Grow Flow model
stands as one of the few products with overflow protection. Let’s say the float
valve has a fault; a shut-off valve stops the unit from working. In the end,
the plants will not have to deal with spills or any form of damage.

However, the unit does not come with any
lights. So you will you will need to find a way to expose it to sunlight. If
you neglect this, the greenery will become malnourished.

Things we liked

Has enough spaces for up to 48 pots

Quick and easy to assemble

Ideal for beginners

Offers a high yield especially within a short period

Features a fail-safe function that prevents accidents

Comes with a pack of nutrient solution

Things we didn’t like

Requires daily exposure to natural lightnin

Costs more than $500

Not ideal for tight spaces

Best Wick System

1. Kitchen Herb Kit – Three Self-watering Indoor Planters

If you want a system that meets the needs of
first-time gardeners, you should consider this model. These jars, which
measures about 11.2 x 3.8 x 9.9 inches, will fit in nicely on your kitchen
counter or office table. Besides, they weigh about 1 lb, which makes it easy to
change their position quickly.

However, the portable design does not
stop them from growing fresh herbs at any point in time. Thanks to its in-house
seed kits, you can cultivate various plants like basil, parsley, mint, oregano,
zinnia, and cilantro. If you like, you can choose packages that feature more
than one type of plant.

Growing herbs with this tool take little time.
For instance, basil takes at least a week to sprout and becomes ready for
harvest after two months. Mint germinates at the same time, but you can pick up
in three months’ time. If you want to grow parsley, sprouting starts in one or
two weeks and becomes ready for use in 3 months.

This indoor planter promises a bountiful
harvest. But for a higher yield, the brand suggests that you harvest any of the
plants frequently.

Operating a wick system will not frustrate any
indoor gardener. To use its jars, throw in some soil or coco pith, plant the
seeds, and add some fertilizer. Since the kit has a manual, you can use it to
carry out the instructions correctly.

Do you want an environmentally safe way to try
hydroponics? Well, this consists of three glass jars that you can re-use for an
extended period. It also uses a steel pot that can endure repeated sprouting
and harvests.

With all the features mentioned above, it’s certain
that this is a fantastic product for indoor gardening. However, it does not
come with a growth medium, while some of the seedlings it comes with sprout
slowly.

Things we liked

Has an attractive and portable design

It comes with several types of seed kits

Easy to use

It requires little care

Things we didn’t like

The packaging does not include a growth medium

Some of the seeds might not sprout quickly

It tends to have a case of mold

2. Future Harvest Developer SBL1600200 Grow Light Garden

This device has a dimension of 23.2 x 3.1 x 2
inches, which allows you grow many plants. Don’t let the large capacity scare
you as the Harvest Developer does not weigh much. Also, the size makes it perfect
for any space in your home.

To reduce the space it will occupy, you can
swap the hydroponic grow tray for stand-alone pots. Depending on the size of
the container installed, you can grow up to 24 plants at the same time.

Apart from the size, other qualities make this
product ideal for indoor use. For example, a set of energy-saving bulbs offer
lighting to the plants. Fortunately, the light extends to the outer part of the
tray, which means other planters can enjoy the brightness.

If you want to get a healthy crop, the plant
will need an adequate supply. For this reason, this model has a timer that
turns the bulbs on automatically when necessary.

Since everyone needs to protect the earth, the
system has a build of 100% recycled plastic. Also, this material can handle the
rigors of indoor gardening.

Like most wick systems, this product has
easy-to-use features. To get started, you will only need earth, seeds, and some
water. Besides, you can install it without worrying about an expert since it comes
with a detailed instruction manual.

With this model, you don’t have to worry about
watering the plants frequently. The reason is that it has a self-watering
capillary mat that keeps your herbs hydrated and healthy. For people who prefer
adding water themselves, they can take out the tray and perform this activity
on their own. With that said, you should expect an impressive yield.

But this model has a few issues that might
make you consider other options. For one, the hood does not stay up due to a
set of poorly designed washers. Next, white fungus, which can harm the plant,
tends to gather around the capillary mat. Finally, the company does not provide
seeds with this product.

Best Aeroponics

1. AeroGarden 903100-1200 Black Ultra LED

AeroGarden 903100-1200 Black Ultra LED uses
advanced indoor gardening features that can grow fresh herbs and veggies
faster. With this system, there will be enough veggie greens and salads
available throughout the year.

Do you want to get fresh flowers at every
given season of the year? Then this is your best bet. It supports the growth of
large plants that can grow as tall as 12 inches, thereby ensuring a quick
harvest. The system features a grow light that turns on and off automatically
when necessary.

This indoor gardening device is an advanced home Aeroponics kitthat helps to grow plants without a soil medium. It uses water and premium quality nutrients to produce ever-fresh plants any time in the year. The machine runs automatically, and it alerts you on when to carry out certain activities for optimum plant growth.

The control panel display shows when to add or
resupply the necessary things needed for the plants. It indicates when to
refill the reservoir. It also reminds you when to add the required plant food
that makes the crops to thrive in such a soilless medium.

The system comes with a gourmet herb seed pod
kit that is natural and devoid of any GMO materials. This kit eliminates the
use of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers.

The AeroGarden 903100 ensures that plants will
grow five times faster than soil plants. This impressive plant production is
due to the ideal lighting and a balanced level of water and nutrient
solution.

The biggest demerit for this AeroGarden device
is that most of the seeds didn’t germinate.

2. CLONE KING 36 Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine

CLONE KING 36 Site Aeroponic Cloning Machine
eliminates the need for Rockwool cubes. It uses an Aeroponic method to create a
successful clone in a fast and straightforward way.

The plant is allowed to suspend in the air
while the aeroponic mist nutrients to its root for optimum growth. The
highly-oxygenated Aeroponic mist helps the process of cloning.

This system offers a straight forward way of producing
all your favorite plant varieties without a sweat. The device will make the
user a professional cloner right from the first attempt of cultivating. The
reason is that it provides every necessary thing you need to achieve that
perfect cloning exercise.

The Clone King 36 provides sufficient
nutrients to the plant roots plants to enable vigorous production and harvest.
It aids the phases of plant growth without the troubles of the outdoor garden,
such as pest and unfavorable weather conditions. Also, the cloning machine
expels the worries of wilting as the plants mature as fast as the regular
planting system.

It guarantees a 99% success rate in the
reproduction of plants. It also supplies vital things needed to produce healthy
plants that can survive in other hydroponic environments. With that said, it is
a sure way to maximize Aeroponic nutrients for better plants.

It makes Aeroponic farming as easy as
you can ever imagine. Within 14 days of using this system for grooming, you
will get produce that is ready for transplant. During this time, the roots also
form and continue to increase quickly.

The best part is that plants cultivated with
this system will have a comfortable, smooth, seamless transitioning to the
harvesting stage.

The CLONE KING 36 Site Aeroponic Cloning
Machine has no rival in simplicity, success rate, and quality. However, the
downside is the fact that the fittings have poor finishes.

Things we liked

Cost-effective plant propagation

Simple set up and function

Made with High-quality material and extremely Durable

Things we didn’t like

Fittings are poorly fitted

Muzzles clog up easily

Best NFT Hydroponics System

1. GOWE Hydroponics system NFT with 36pcs of the net cup

Few hydroponics products have the slender look
of this fantastic tool. This Gowe NFT system has a dimension of 39.37 × 47.22
inches that can rest entirely at any space in your home. Dur=e to its lightweight
frame, you can move it around the area without any extra hand.

Like the traditional NFT system, this product
does not work with a growth medium. Instead, the roots rest in a lengthy slant
channel that contains the nutrient solution. With such feature, the system can
water itself and keep your flooring free from the mess that comes with using soil
or other support materials.

To regulate the feed cycle, the timer offers
two modes – continuous and intermittent. If you grow plants for sale, the first
option ensures adequate food supply for such activities. But if you want steady
supply of nutrient, the intermittent function should meet the daily needs of
the plant.

Since the unit provides 36 cups for your young
plants, expect a high yield of a healthy crop. The best part is that the
organized layout promises a beautiful view.

This indoor grower system comes as one of the
best items for growing lettuce. But if you prefer other things, you can propagate
vegetables with this model. Remember to choose crops that have short stems.

Even if it has cool functions, first-timers
can install and operate this model with ease. Also, the timer handles the
cycles, so you will not spend the whole day caring for the plants.

Sadly, the light frame can tip over,
especially when you plant long-stalled plants on this NFT system. You will have
to purchase the reservoir separately as Gowe does not include the accessory to
this unit.

Things we liked

Does not need a growth medium

Offers a timer that adjusts the feeding cycles

Does not result in messy rooms

Has a suitable size for indoor farming

Things we didn’t like

The company sells the tank as a stand-alone item

It has flimsy features

Best Drip Systems

1. General Hydroponics GH4120 WaterFarm Complete

General Hydroponics GH4120 has a high-grade
plastic body that guarantees absolute longevity. As you should know, Rusting
alters the pH of the nutrient solution and subsequently causes the resolution
to lose potency. So, the plastic body it has is an upgrade on the usual metal
drop system, which is prone to rust.

Its unique four-sided design enables gardeners
to arrange the modules for larger density installations. This unique system of
propagation enhances the plant growth of various sizes and varieties. Not only
that, but it also ensures that all plants get enough moisture and nutrient to
enable them to grow effectively. It supports the growth of a large number of
plants within a small area.

This four-sided design feature makes it
extremely cost-effective as it grants enough space for more plants at a smaller
cost. It doesn’t need any soil attachments.

The hydro-farm works as a sole unit while it
has a plug that powers it. The single plug and bucket system are the unique
mechanism utilized by GH4120.

This model makes use of a pump to sustain the
drip system. This drip irrigation pump carries out the function of the phloem in a plant system.
It transfers the fluid containing nutrients from the reservoir and upward to
the plants, from the root to its stem and leaves.

These systems connect to a drip line, which
serves as a connecting duct between the drip system and the growing chamber.
The component is the primary area where the propagation of plants takes
place.

The drip lines carry the nutrient-rich liquid
from the reservoir through the drip system to the growing plants. The GH4120
carries out this process with the utmost precision to provide a sufficient
supply of nutrients. The constant distribution of the nutrient solution by the
drip watering system keeps the growing chamber evergreen.

The pump in this system does not have a timer
setting, so it runs continuously from the drip water system. This feature gives
room for reusing excess nutrient solution that drips back to the
reservoir.

However, the absence of timers contributes to
its major letdown. The reason is that the pH of the nutrient solution will keep
changing, thus making the user perform regular maintenance on the system. Not
only that, but it also increases the cost of running the entire system.

Nonetheless, this model can grow hydroponic
suggested plants of all sizes due to its large water capacity and low moisture
requirements.

Things we liked

The construction method used is straightforward to use

Large gallon reservoir for the optimum supply of nutrient

It enable large planting

Reduced water use

Things we didn’t like

The pump has a noisy operation

Water reuse alters the nutrient solution pH

Maintenance is expensive

The system is a bit costly

2. General Hydroponics HGC706980 WaterFarm

The HGC706980 WaterFarm has a dual system
reservoir gauge featuring an eight-gallon controller unit and a 13-gallon
reservoir. It comes with 8 Waterfarm modules, in which all of them connect to a
Hydroponics controller.

The controller helps to regulate the supply of
nutrients required for productive plant growth. But the nutrient passes around
the system with the aid of a dual-diaphragm air pump. This feature uses a
mechanism that draws water and the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the
drip system.

The HGC706980 Waterfarm comprises of essential
hardware components that supply adequate nutrients to the plants. These
components include the nutrient supplies and the General Hydroponics Flora
Series nutrients. Users can arrange this item in a way that supports active
plant growth.

The HGC706980 WaterFarm 8-module system is a
suitable choice for the large planters and big plants. It supports the
cultivation of a larger number of plants with an expandable 12 grows farm sites
for one controller.

With this system, you can start after every
growth cycle with a secure method of bloom change. It also offers a wide range
of configurations, including adding an extra hose.

However, some of the fittings are either made
of inferior material or missing on arrival. Overall, the tools of this model
are easy to maintain, thus making the operation less stressful and quite
comfortable.

Things we liked

The GH HGC706980 WaterFarm has an easy setup and simple working mechanism

The system function is simple and flexible

The modules for propagation are expandable

Perfect for the cultivation of veggies and salads

Things we didn’t like

Missing fittings make functioning difficult

Wrap Up

The hydroponic system is one of the
best ways to cultivate your plant since you won’t get exposed to harsh outdoor
conditions. Also, you don’t need good soil or a perfect spot to grow your
veggies or herbs. Anywhere in your home will be suitable.

But keep in mind, you will need to
get the best hydroponics system so that you can have a good harvest. Before you
purchase any, consider the kind of plant you want to grow. The reason is that
some models can be good to cultivate herbs but not for tomatoes or fruit.
However, this shouldn’t be a problem as our
listed hydroponics and summary of the best models will help you choose.